Megapixel madness strikes again: Panasonic today announced the Lumix DMC-FX150, a compact camera with a 14.7-megapixel sensor, which is the highest pixel count so far in a compact camera, but high pixel count does not necessarily mean it will produce images with better overal picture quality, as we have demonstrated. In addition to its resolution specs, it also offers manual exposure, multiple-exposure, an f/2.8 3x optical zoom that starts at 28mm, sensitivity ranging from ISO 100-6400, and RAW file capture. The camera promises to deliver better results via the iA mode, which combines Exposure, red-eye correction, anti-shake compensation, intelligent ISO selection and scene selection capabilities, face detection, and a claimed faster autofocus time. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX150 will be avialable in August for around $399.95.

For details, read the Panasonic press release:

PANASONIC INTRODUCES NEW ADDITION TO FX-SERIES, COMPLETE WITH 14.7 MEGAPIXELS AND 28MM WIDE-ANGLE LENS

New LUMIX FX150 Features Manual Controls to Help Creative Photography

SECAUCUS, N.J. (July 21, 2008) � Panasonic today announced its newest addition to its FX-Series of LUMIX digital cameras with the unveiling of the stylish and feature-rich DMC-FX150. Equipped with 14.7 megapixels, the FX150 also boasts a 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with F2.8 brightness and 3.6x optical zoom.

The FX150�s manual controls and creative-shooting features distinguish it from many of its ultra-compact competitors. For instance, the Manual Exposure mode lets users choose the shutter speed, giving the freedom to render artistic images of ordinary scenes. The multi-exposure function superimposes up to three consecutively shot images together while the user views the previous image on the LCD, creating a surrealistic effect that cannot be achieved with a single image alone. Furthermore, the manual bracketing function includes typical exposure and adds new color bracketing to capture color, monochromatic and sepia shots of an image simultaneously.

The FX150 also records original photos in the RAW file format and comes bundled with the SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0SE software application, enabling the user to freely adjust RAW data settings such as exposure bias and white balance even after shooting for greater editing and image development.

�With the FX150, Panasonic brings a unique type of ultra-compact camera to the market,� said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. �The combination of 14.7 megapixels, numerous manual controls and Intelligent Auto mode in a stylish, pocket-sized body creates an ideal camera for photo enthusiasts.�

In addition to manual controls, the FX150 also offers Panasonic�s Intelligent Auto (iA) mode that provides the user with automatic settings adjustments depending on the shooting environment. A new technology, called AF (auto focus) Tracking, has been added to the iA roster of features. AF tracking enables the camera to lock focus on a moving object. Additionally, AF Tracking increases Face Detection accuracy, allowing for crisp, sharp-focused shots even if the subject moves while shooting the image*.

When the FX150 is set to iA mode, the following technologies engage automatically, no settings need to be made:

� Intelligent Exposure � Helps prevents photos from being under- or over-exposed by instantly analyzing the framed image and adjusting the brightness in areas that are too dark because of dim lighting, backlighting or the use of the flash. The camera will automatically adjust the brightness accordingly.

� Digital Red-eye Correction� Helps to eliminate the red-eye problem that sometimes results when taking flash shots at night. Incorporated into the camera, the built-in flash emits a small preliminary flash before the main flash, detects red-eye and will digitally correct it.

� MEGA O.I.S. � Gyrosensors detect hand-shake and the lens system shifts to compensate, helping to prevent hand-shake from creating a blurry image.

� Intelligent ISO � Determines if the photo subject is moving and changes the ISO setting and shutter speed accordingly, thus giving a blur-free photo.

� Intelligent Scene Selector � Senses the ambient conditions, recognizes the shooting environment and will automatically select the appropriate scene mode from: Scenery, Portrait, Macro, Night Portrait or Night Scenery mode. This intuitive technology, helps the consumer use the most common scene modes that are built into the camera, but often go unused, without making any manual adjustments.

� Face Detection � Detects faces in the frame (up to 15 faces), even if they are moving, and selects optimal focus and exposure settings so portraits come out clear.

� Quick AF (Auto Focus) � Starts focus on the subject by just pointing the camera at the subject, thus minimizing the AF time.

The FX150 boasts the high-speed image processing system, the Venus Engine IV, which supports a faster response time, allowing the camera to shoot 2.5 shots per second at full resolution and six shots per second in High-Speed Burst mode. The FX150 can also record dynamic High Definition video in 1280 x 720p at 24fps. Other advanced features of the LUMIX FX150 include:

� Image Leveling � When a captured image �leans� to the right or left because the camera was held at a slight angle when the photo was taken, the Image Leveling function rotates the image to straighten it and crops the unnecessary edges. No computer needed!

� Scene Modes � The FX150 offers 24 different scene modes to respond easily to any shooting situation. The new Pin Hole and Film Grain modes add unique, film-camera-like effects and ambiences to images and the Transform mode trims and stretches images to virtually transform the subject.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FX150 will be available in silver and black and will begin shipping in August 2008 with a suggested retail price of $399.95.

via adorama 

Toshiba and Matsushita Electric Industrial will jointly manufacture small electroluminescent displays in an effort match the output from Korea-based makers, according to a Japanese report.

The two companies will set up manufacturing lines in Ishikawa Prefecture in the fall of 2009, aiming to produce 1 million "high-quality" 2.5-inch organic EL displays, according to a report in Monday's Nihon Keizai Shimbun.

This is a first for domestic Japanese production of EL displays on this scale, the report said. The displays are targeted at cell phones and other small devices.

EL displays are based on organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology that uses electroluminescent organic materials. The display panels are extremely thin because they don't need backlights. The electroluminescent layer contains a polymer substance that directly converts electricity to light.

The companies are chasing Samsung, which has already begun mass production. The goal is to bring costs down and stabilize quality. This then can be applied to the manufacture of larger-size TV panels.

In December, Toshiba said it would postpone production of larger (up to 30-inch) organic EL displays and would focus initially on mass production of smaller displays.

Toshiba has a 60 percent stake in the venture Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology, while Matsushita holds 40 percent. The operation is capitalized at 15 billion yen ($140 million).

via news.cnet 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 : Panasonic introduces the Lumix DMC-FZ28 digital still camera, featuring a 27mm wide-angle Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with an 18x optical zoom. Joining Panasonic’s popular FZ series of cameras that pack a high-powered zoom into a compact body, the Panasonic FZ28 also boasts 10.1 megapixel resolution and adds a number of enhanced features that boost user fun and convenience, represented by an advanced iA (Intelligent Auto) mode. The super-powerful 18x zoom lens makes it easy to pull in subjects from far away or to take dramatic close-ups. For an added boost, zoom power can be increased to 32.1x with the Extra Optical Zoom function. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 is available in black or silver.
Panasonic Lumix FZ28 - Landscape photography
The 27mm wide-angle feature is ideal for both broad landscapes and tight indoor shots, letting photographers capture a wider view. The 10.1-megapixel resolution allows photos to be greatly enlarged while still retaining outstanding detail, or edited by trimming and enlarging parts of the photo to print. The Panasonic Lumix FZ28 is a compact wide-angle, super-zoom camera that offers both uncommon convenience and exceptional creative freedom. Users from soccer moms to serious amateur photographers will find the versatile Panasonic FZ28 a perfect answer to their needs.

Panasonic DMC-FZ28 - Performance and Efficiency
For image processing, the Panasonic DMC-FZ28 features the high-speed, high-performance, Venus Engine IV. Thanks to the Venus IV, the Panasonic FZ28 can snap off consecutive shots at a fast max.13 frames per second for subjects with fast motion in High Speed Burst Shooting mode. In High Sensitivity mode, the Panasonic Lumix FZ28 can capture stunning photos with sensitivity up to ISO 6400 in extremely low lit situations. The engine allows the Panasonic FZ28 to shoot up to 450 photos (CIPA) on a single battery charge thanks to improvements in power efficiency.

Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ28 - AF tracking and Exposure
Panasonic’s iA (intelligent auto) mode, which makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos, has been further enhanced for new Lumix cameras to be released in this fall, and so as for the Panasonic FZ28. The newly added AF Tracking function automatically tracks the subject once the AF has been set even if the subject moves around, making it easier to capture sharp, well-focused photos of decisive moments. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 continually monitors the light source and automatically activates the backlight compensation function if it detects that the light source is behind the subject. Face detection accuracy has also been increased, allowing continuous AF/AE adjustment even if a face moves or turns sideways to the camera. The Intelligent Exposure function helps capture natural-looking, true-to-life images by suppressing blocked shadows and blown highlights.

Panasonic FZ28 - Manual operation and Advanced scene mode
The new Panasonic FZ28 inherits and enhances the manual operation that has proven so popular with other members of the FZ family. The Lumix FZ28 manual controls are more versatile than in previous models and the control layout has been improved, making use of the manual controls easier and more intuitive. Also, the Advanced Scene mode, unique to Lumix high-end compact cameras for users who want more creativity, now includes a Close-up mode that lets users enjoy sophisticated close-up photography according to the subject to shoot with remarkable ease.

Panasonic High Definition and Large screen viewing
In addition to capturing beautiful still images, the Panasonic Lumix FZ28 makes it easy to shoot high-definition 1280 x 720p motion images at 30 fps with outstanding detail. Using the DMW-HDC2 HD Component Cable (available separately), these motion images can be output from the FZ28 directly to a TV for large-screen viewing. The FZ28 features a large, 2.7-inch Intelligent LCD with 230,000-dot resolution. Clearly visible in virtually all conditions, this advanced LCD gives the user a clear, detailed look at the shot being composed and plays back crisp, clear images after shooting. The viewfinder resolution has also been increased to 201,600 dots for easier viewing. The FZ28 offers a number of other functions that expand photographic possibilities, including a stronger flash for long-distance lighting and extended use, a color temperature display that makes it easier to set the white balance more accurately, a color bracket function, and new scene modes - Pin Hole and Film Grain - that create film-camera-like effects. Image leveling and other new functions add convenience after shooting as well. 

Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT and Optical performance
The Panasonic DMC-FZ28 packages a 27mm wide angle Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with F2.8-4.4 brightness and powerful 18x optical zoom (equivalent to 27-486mm on a 35mm film camera) together with a 10.1-megapixel CCD into a compact body. The lens unit comprises of 11 elements in 8 groups, including 3 aspherical lenses and 2 ED lenses. Notably 2 ED lenses minimize the chromatic aberration that is likely to occur in telephoto images. This set of lenses secure picture quality high enough to pass Leica's stringent standards and delivers exceptional optical performance. With the long zoom range from 27mm to 486mm, equivalent to 18x, the Panasonic DMC-FZ28 can be the best suitable camera to take expansive scenery with dynamic perspective and a close-up of a distant subject, having the appealing angle of view. This powerful zoom also works during the motion picture recording. Further, in 3-megapixel resolution mode, the Extra Optical Zoom function uses the centre part of the CCD to provide additional magnification, extending the zoom power to 32.1x. 

Panasonic FZ28 - Optical image stabilizer and Face detection
The new Panasonic Lumix-FZ28 adds a new AF Tracking function to iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, which is a combination of functions that makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful photos. In iA mode the camera does all the work, activating Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection, and Intelligent Exposure. This leaves the user free to simply compose the shot and press the shutter button, with the assurance that the image will be clear, beautiful and properly exposed. With the new AF Tracking function, the user can “lock” the focus onto a moving subject. The camera then automatically tracks the subject as it moves, keeping it in focus without the user having to hold the shutter button halfway down. This makes it easier to capture the perfect moment clearly and in sharp focus when shooting images of a child, pet, sports or any scene with moving subjects and spur-of-the-moment action. 

>Intelligent Scene Selector and Exposure
The Face Detection function can find up to 15 faces in the frame and adjusts the focus and exposure to capture them clearly and in sharp focus. Face detection accuracy has been increased in the FZ28 to now provide continuous adjustment of the focus and exposure even if the face is turned sideways to the camera. Combined with AF Tracking, Face Detection helps users capture special moments, including the fleeting expressions on the faces of active children. Plus, with the Panasonic Lumix FZ28, the red-eye effect can be digitally corrected automatically when it occurs due to the use the flash. Intelligent Exposure suppresses blocked shadows and blown highlights to capture images that look natural and true-to-life. It now features an automatic backlight compensation function that activates whenever the camera detects that the light source is behind the subject. This is useful when the effect of Intelligent Exposure is not enough due to the strong backlighting. 

Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ28 Megazoom AF system
The Quick AF system allows the camera to keep focus on the subject while the camera is in recording mode even before without pressing a shutter button halfway, to get best result out of a shutter chance because the focus is always near the subject and the AF time is minimized. In addition to the advanced functions mentioned above, the iA mode inherits fundamental functions users need in a good digital still camera. These include Mega O.I.S., which prevents blurring from hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which prevents motion blur by adjusting the ISO sensitivity if the subject moves as the shot is taken. The Mega O.I.S. conventionally has mode 1 and 2, and now it has AUTO mode to switch to the suitable one between the modes according to the zoom ratio being used. The user can activate all of these useful, convenient shooting-assist functions by simply selecting iA mode. This makes the Panasonic Lumix FZ28 the ultimate, super-versatile automatic camera for capturing clear, beautiful, mistake-free photos with ease.

Panasonic camera operation
Packing super-powerful zoom lenses in compact bodies, Lumix FZ series cameras give users everything they need to explore the creative side of photography. FZ cameras come with a joystick that has earned high acclaim from users for allowing quick, easy adjustment of manual focus, manual exposure, and other settings. When the camera is in manual focus mode, the focal length and depth of field are displayed in accordance with the zoom range. When the camera is mounted on a tripod and the angle of view is fixed, the MF Assist function allows pinpoint confirmation of the focus area, so users can focus with high precision even when the composing of image is fixed on a tripod. The AF/AE lock button prevents any accidental changes to the focus and exposure settings, so the user doesn’t have to repeat the same cumbersome trial-and-error process to recapture the previous settings. There is also a custom setting function that lets users store up to 4 sets of settings you often use in memory and instantly recall them later using the mode dial.
 

Lumix Advanced Scene mode
The Advanced Scene mode has been praised for giving users an extra degree of creative freedom when using ordinary scene modes. The Panasonic FZ28 features 5 scene modes - Portrait, Sports, Scenery, Night Scenery and a new Close-up mode that provides optimal settings for shooting flowers or other small objects with fine detail. By selecting Aperture Priority in Close-up mode, the user can capture a close-up shot against a soft-focused background for an even more impressive result. With the new modes in the Panasonic Lumix FZ28, the user can choose from five Portrait mode settings, four Scenery mode settings, four Sports mode settings, four Night Portrait settings, and four new Close-up mode settings. Together with the 16 ordinary scene modes, this makes a total of 37 modes the photographer can choose from to capture images exactly the way he or she sees them. Not only in normal Scene mode but also in Advanced Scene mode, the user can see the effects of the detailed settings in real-time on the LCD. This gives the user the opportunity, before taking the shot, to make whatever adjustments are necessary to capture the desired image. To help take full advantage of the wealth of settings available, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 also offers an Navigation Guide on the LCD that shows the effect of each mode or submode setting.

Panasonic FZ28 Megazoom camera auto focus system
4. Quick and Smart AF and Easy Manual Focusing
Panasonic has dramatically revamped the focus system featured in the Panasonic Lumix FZ28. The most significant improvement is the new Tracking AF. By keeping the focus locked on a moving subject such as a child or pet, this function makes it a lot easier for users to capture clear, perfectly focused shots at the perfect moment. To match the shooting situation and subject's position, the user can select from six auto-focusing methods: AF tracking, face detection, multi, 1-point high-speed, 1-point normal-speed, and spot. With the 1-point AF or spot AF method, the auto-focusing area can be chosen freely from the entire field of view with the joystick or cursor button. Various group area patterns can also be selected in the Multi method. 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 - Face detection and Macro
The Face Detection system helps the camera to recognize a human face to capture it bright and clear. Up to 15 human faces can be detected simultaneously. The detection keeps working on the faces even if subjects are moving so that the time for AF is minimized before you click away the shutter.
Manual focusing, which is a valuable tool for professional-level photography, is also easy thanks to the previously described joystick. Instant switching between AF and MF is available with the independent AF/MF button. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 is also equipped with AF Macro button and it activates One-Shot AF function in MF mode with a single press of the button. In both AF/MF, the subject just 1cm away can be finely captured sparing no detail of it. You can experience the dynamic close-up of macro shots.

Panasonic burst shooting and Flash photography
In the High-Speed Burst shooting mode, it fires off an incredible max. 13 shots per second. Notably, the shutter mechanism of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 is mechanical, which allows users to take beautiful pictures in motion with minimal smearing and distortion effects that is often seen when using the electronic shutter mechanism. You also get unlimited consecutive shooting, Newly added Flash Burst mode makes it possible to take continuous shooting with continuous emission of flash. In burst shooting mode, the Panasonic DMC-FZ28 can snap approx.2.5 shots per second at full resolution. 

Panasonic Venus Engine IV image-processing LSI
A new image-processing LSI, Venus Engine IV, features more advanced signal processing technology for rendering even higher-quality images. The Parallel noise reduction in both luminance signal and chromatic signal processing systems, a technology established by the preceding Venus Engine III, gains a more sophisticated process. First, the luminance noise is two-dimensionally separated into high-frequency and low-frequency noises and only the low-frequency noise, which tends to be conspicuous, is eliminated without affecting the high-frequency noise that greatly influences resolution. Second, the information of the change point between colors is minutely stored for precise determination of edges, thus color bleeding is dramatically suppressed. This not only produces a clearer image in high ISO sensitivity recording, but also faithfully reproduces details in low-lit areas of pictures taken at low ISO sensitivity. It supports a High Sensitivity mode that lets the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 record at a setting of up to ISO 6400, sensitive enough to capture subjects in near-total darkness without using a flash.

Panasonic Lumix FZ28 - MEGA O.I.S. and ISO control
The Venus Engine IV also makes it possible to capture natural-looking, true-to-life images by suppressing blocked shadows and blown highlights with the Intelligent Exposure function. It now has high, standard and low settings of effect to match the shooting conditions and desired results. Furthermore, the engine elevates the detection accuracy and corrective effect in both Mega O.I.S., which prevents hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which suppresses motion blur. This high performance engine is also superior in its energy efficiency to extend the battery life up to 450 shots(CIPA) per a single charge. 

Panasonic Lumix FZ28 - High Definition output
All Lumix cameras can take 1920x1080 pixel HD (high-definition) quality photos that perfectly fit a wide-screen (16:9) HDTV for full-screen viewing. The new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 even records dynamic HD motion pictures in 1280 x 720p at a smooth 30 fps, in addition to WVGA (848 x 480) and normal VGA (640 x 480). With newly added HD component output capability, you can enjoy watching still and motion pictures in stunning HD quality taken by your Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 by simply connecting the camera to a TV via an optional component cable (DMW-HDC2).

Panasonic Lumix slideshow and HDTV
The Panasonic DMC-FZ28 provides slideshows complete with music. Just select the pictures you want to show and choose the mood that best matches your selection from natural, slow, urban or swing, and you'll get an emotion-filled slideshow with a variety of slide change effects and matching music without any annoying adjustments. If you make the slideshow with HD photos in 1920 x 1080 pixels, you can also enjoy watching an impressive HD slideshow with music on a large-screen HDTV by using the optional component cable.

Panasonic FZ28 megazoom digital camera - LCD and Electronic Viewfinder
Clear, easy-to-see LCD is upgraded both in size and resolution to be 2.7-inch with 230,000-dot high resolution to offer even more comfortable view for both monitoring when shooting and for playing back the results. The Intelligent LCD function detects the light condition and automatically boosts the LCD backlighting by max. 40% when shooting outdoors in bright sunshine, and adjusts the frame rate when shooting in low-lit situations in addition to using the pixel mixed readout method to secure clarity in such situations. Detecting the lighting condition precisely and automatically controlling the brightness with a total of 11 fine steps, this function gives the display the most appropriate clarity in any situation without using extra energy. The High Angle mode makes the LCD screen extremely easy to view when the camera is held high, such as when shooting over a crowd. The in-line Electronic Viewfinder increased its resolution from the predecessor up to 201,600-dot to provide easy, corner-to-corner focusing confirmation even in manual focus mode.

Panasonic Lumix megazoom camera features and functions
The Panasonic Lumix FZ28 is a versatile compact camera equipped with a wide-angle lens, powerful optical zoom, and a host of enhanced features that make shooting more fun. SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0SE software application comes bundled with the Panasonic DMC-FZ28 for editing and developing images in the RAW file format. Using this software, you can freely adjust RAW data settings such as exposure bias and white balance even after shooting for greater enjoyment of digital photography. The flash is more powerful than before and reaches a distance of 8.5 meters at the wide setting and 5.4 meters at the telephoto setting (ISO AUTO). It also has 1st curtain and 2nd curtain synchro settings.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 - Artistic colors and Effects
A new color bracketing function records three types of images - color, monochromatic and sepia - at a single press of a button. Using this function, the photographer can capture a color photo and artistic monochrome photo at the same time while pressing the shutter button just once. For setting the white balance, the FZ28 newly provides a setting by the color temperature in addition to the Two-Axis white balance adjustment to offer more precise control over the WB. The Panasonic FZ28 offers a total of 16 normal scene modes and 5 advanced scene modes, including the new Pin Hole and Film Grain modes that add unique, film-camera-like effects and ambiences to images. This wide range of modes lets the FZ28 respond easily to any shooting situation. The actual effects of the scene modes can be viewed on the LCD before taking the shot.

Panasonic Lumix FZ28 - USB port and Memory
Image Leveling is another function that improves post-shooting convenience. When a recorded image “leans” to the right or left because the camera was held at a slight angle, the Image Leveling function rotates the image to straighten it and crops the unnecessary edges. The USB port supports the 2.0 HS standard and the internal memory has been increased to approx. 50 MB - two further enhancements that add to the convenience and fun of using the Panasonic FZ28.

Panasonic Lumix digital cameras
The Panasonic DMC-FZ28 offers a wide line of optional accessories to expand shooting possibilities. A tele-conversion lens with 1.7x power (equivalent to 826.2mm on a 35mm film camera) and a close-up lens can be mounted using a lens adaptor. An ND filter and new PL filter are also available to provide the FZ28 with true high-end camera capabilities. Drawing on its vast expertise in consumer electronics, Panasonic is committed to creating a new photographic culture by introducing innovative, high-performance cameras and other advanced digital imaging products.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 optional accessories
• Panasonic DMW-LT55 Tele conversion lens (Requires Lens Adaptor (DMW-LA3))
• Panasonic DMW-LC55 Close-up lens (Requires Lens Adaptor (DMW-LA3))
• Panasonic DMW-LND46 ND filter
• Panasonic DMW-LMC46 MC protector
• Panasonic DMW-LPL46 PL Filter
• Panasonic DMW-LA3 Lens adaptor
• Panasonic DMW-AC7 AC adaptor
• Panasonic CGR-S006 Battery pack
• Panasonic DMW-CZS7 Soft case
• Panasonic DMW-CZ18 Camera Bag
• Panasonic DMW-HDC2 HD Component Cable
 

via letsgodigital. 

The Japanese government will team up with several Japanese companies to develop key-technologies for producing large-size OLED panels. The aim is to cut the development cost for the Japanese companies, to be better able to compete against Samsung and LG, and the Japanese government will pitch in around 32$M. 

The project will also try to make the displays more efficient and have longer lifetime.

One report says the project will run till 2013, another that it will run until 2015, and the aim is to produce 40" OLED TVs by then. We'll have to wait and see...

The companies include -

• Sony
• Toshiba
• Matsushita
• Sharp
• Idemitsu Kosan
• Sumitomo chemical
• Dainippon Screen Mfg
• Shimadzu
• Hitachi

Interesting to see Sharp in there, after having stated that "OLEDs will not threat LCD for at least a decade".

via oled-info. 

RP-HJE900: New Zirconia Earphones, from Panasonic

Japan's Panasonic will release their new RP-HJE900 earphones on June 15th. Our earphones adopt zirconia, a material generally used in the manufacture of fake diamonds which should suppresses sound distortion. Sound pressure sensitivity is around 100dB/mW, and frequency response is 6Hz–28 KHz! (Impedance: 26Ω).

They also feature something interesting... Removable cables

via akihabaranew 

 RP-HJE900 New Zirconia Earphones, from Panasonic,earbuds, panasonic, rp-hje900, zirconia,Peripherals, Portable Audio

Evolta robot climbs Grand Canyon cliff

On May 24, a 17-centimeter tall, 130-gram Panasonic Evolta battery mascot robot scaled a 500-meter cliff at the Grand Canyon in a publicity stunt to showcase the endurance of the Evolta AA alkaline battery, which the Guinness Book of World Records recently recognized as the longest-lasting of its kind. Powered by a pair of Evoltas, the robot hoisted itself up a 530-meter length of rope suspended next to the cliff, reaching the top after a grueling 6 hours and 45 minutes.

via pinktentacle